Carob Cinnamon Delight instead of coffee – a calming hot beverage

Carob is a delicious alternative to coffee or hot chocolate as it doesn’t contain caffeine. It has a definite chocolate-like flavor and is something I recommend to my clients who may be looking for a healthier alternative or who can’t tolerate coffee or chocolate. Carob is originally from the eastern Mediterranean region, Northern Africa and the western part of Asia. Ceratonia siliqua or carob is also known as locust bean gum.

Consider trying carob if you are anxious and stressed. There are a subset of those with anxiety who are more prone to the anxiety-provoking effects of coffee and some very sensitive people may even find the caffeine in chocolate to be too stimulating.

In fact a 2002 study found that carob may actually have calming effects. It is also antioxidant rich, contains the polyphenol gallic acid which has been shown to help metabolic syndrome, it has been shown to lower total and LDL cholesterol, it has chemoprotective properties and helps with digestion.

Here is a recipe for a delicious beverage you can make using carob powder:

Boil the water, add carob and cinnamon and top up with coconut milk (or cream), stir and enjoy! The carob tends to settle a bit so you’ll probably need to stir it again when you’re half way through drinking it.

If you are going to give up coffee it’s good to have some alternative beverages on hand You could try delicious herbal teas (such as licorice, lemon-ginger, and mint), coffee substitutes such as Dandy Blend, rooibos or green rooibos (herbal teas from South Africa that appears to have health benefits similar to those of green tea), or one of my favorites – carob!

I’d love to get your feedback on how you enjoyed this and any variations you’ve tried.

Terry
I’m SO glad you are enjoying this! the cinnamon is also great for blood sugar control and coconut has antimicrobial properties so you get even more benefits other than just quitting the coffee
Trudy

Thank you for the info about the cinnamon and coconut. I love to cook and it is such a positive affirmation when you comment that the ingredients are nutritious and why. It makes me happy that I learn from you.

Trudy – I just printed this and will be trying it out! I used to LOVE hot chocolate, but all the “mixes” have milk powder in them or are made with milk. I’ve since switched to tea – but this sounds like such a yummy alternative – thanks!!

Trudy, this looks like a yummy recipe that is actually good for you. I used to enjoy hot chocolate mixes but there’s too much sugar and who knows what added to the commercial recipes. I like how you always offer up some great alternate products. I’ve not heard of Carob Powder before. Is it available in the regular grocery stores? Thx, Debbie

Many thanks for this recipe, the added cinnamon tastes like a treat, I added >1tsp raw honey to mine. I’m drinking it right now as an afternoon hot drink, even though it is over 35degrees Celsius on this hot spring day.

Thanks Trudy! I got this idea from listening to you on the Summit. I used carob in some steamed raw cow’s milk, with a splash of vanilla and nutmeg. I’ve never been a coffee-drinker, but I had to cut out all sugar and cacao recently, so this drink is so tasty to me!

Thanks for this helpful information. I read that matcha tea commonly has a much higher lead content than regular green tea and a recommendation is only one cup a day for adults. Know anything about this?
Thanks

John
It’s not something I drink or recommend to clients but just the other day someone asked me this on facebook and Magdalena was going to ask her supplier about this. I’ll see if she can come and give us any feedback